Jason, how did it feel switching from such a big federation like Canada to such a tiny one like Australia? Was it a bit daunting at first?
Jason: Yeah it was a big decision that I had to make but [when] I started skating with Holly I think we both knew that it was a good partnership that we were going to create. I think it was the right decision to make, it was worth it.
So figure skating is a pretty non-stereotypical sport here in Australia so in comparison what do you say is the most stereotypical Australian personality trait you have?
Personality trait...well I love...not very personality wise but I guess stereotypically I love Vegemite. And everyone goes "Why do you..? Why do you like it?"
Speaking of your beginnings; were you ever recommended to go into Pairs? Did you ever think about going into Pairs?
Funny you should ask. No, not really - but I actually have done a little bit this year. I think it's two and a half months now where I've been trying a little bit and it's a lot harder. Mad respect to all Pairs skaters because they are insane!
Speaking of your performance skills, is that something that you've trained a lot, or do you find it comes naturally to you?
I'm working on my skills and skating - and I'll work for days. Like I can't skate, or jump, or do stuff before I do my full skating. It's the best feeling ever. That's why I'm still skating.
If you could let the figure skating fan community know one thing about you, what would it be?
The whole community? Oh jeez. I’ll do a funny one. I recently got a lot of money in Animal Crossing.
Are you looking forward to the new Animal Crossing game?
Oh yeah. I’m now donating money to the Town Square to windmills and create paths so I’m very excited about that.
That’s amazing. I love Animal Crossing.
It’s so fun! I just learned a cheat code to get more money and I’m like “Sssh I’m paying my mortgage!” It sounds so ridiculous
Gabrielle: My costumes are actually hot pink and deep purple for the long.
So we'll be seeing that next week?
In two weeks in Kelowna, yes. The Short's actually a two-piece that Kaitlyn and I kind of put our thoughts into together. For the long, it's not exactly like "Carmen," it's the shape that it was today, but it goes ombré from deep to light purple.
Love a good ombré. I'm looking forward to the pairing with the eyeshadow. [Gabby laughs]
Zachary: In the Free, I looked at some pictures of Queen and I talked with the guy making the costumes. I said I wanted thunder, and some details so when people see me they see that I’m doing Queen.
I saw the lightning and thought it would be Flash Gordon!
Zachary: You know what - that’s because of the circle! If there was no circle and only the thunder it would be easier. I might take it off because of that reason, you’re not the only one who said that.
We'll see by Rostelecom [Cup] then if the circle is gone.
Zachary: Yes!
You've mentioned before that you improvise a lot as you develop your programs. Is that happening still?
Betina: Yes! I can't say it's my problem, but it's a problem for Sergey! [Laughs]
Sergey: A little bit - but now it's less!
Betina: Yes, now it's less because we have a lot of movements in the program so I can relax and go "Okay, I don't need to surprise you!" [Laughs]
Shiyue: She said "Oh, I have some ideas. Maybe you can do Charlie Chaplin and you can wear exactly the same costumes. That would be fun!" But in the beginning, [Xinyu] didn't really like the funny style.
Xinyu: Yeah, I don't like the funny style. Before in these 12 years that we've skated together, we've never skated in a funny style.
Shiyue: Yeah, because he likes cool [styles].
[All laugh]
